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Dissimilar Metal Weld Repairs: Best Practices and Case Study

Dissimilar metal welds (DMWs) are often specified in process plants as an alternative to bolted mechanical joints and are successfully used in many corrosive and severe services. However, these welds can be subject to major weldability challenges and may lead to failures due to inherent material differences. In this article, the author examines these failure mechanisms, offers best practices for weld repairs and joint designs, and discusses a recent case study where laboratory analysis was used to identify the cause of a repeat DMW failure.

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Bolted Flange Joint Assembly and Integrity

Learn how to improve performance by adopting inspection and maintenance best practices and applying advanced finite element analysis (FEA). This article discusses key design and operational considerations, drawing from codes and standards as well as Equity Engineering’s experience in assessing bolted joints. 

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Pipeline Defect Assessments for CSA Z662 Pipelines

Pipeline regulations in Canada differ from the ASME B31.4 and B31.8 standards used across the United States. In this article, the authors provide a detailed overview of the federally regulated CSA Z662 standard and clarify the differences between assessments (Section 10), engineering assessments (Section 3.4), and engineering critical assessments (Annex J & K). This is a must- read for any pipeline operators who wants to understand Canadian pipeline industry regulation and engineering assessment requirements.

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Effects of Friction on Rotating Equipment Compliance: Modeling Considerations in Pipe Stress Simulation

A recurring challenge is ensuring that modeling assumptions in pipe stress analysis don’t create hidden risks for rotating equipment and piping code compliance. This article explores how friction and vertical support behavior can dramatically influence nozzle load calculations, sometimes turning a compliant system into a non-compliant one. Using case studies and practical examples, the authors highlight best practices and advanced tools like SIMFLEX-IV to improve accuracy and reliability across complex operating conditions.

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Structural Engineering Applications for Fixed Equipment Analysis

Typically, maintenance teams are focused on a facility’s pressure vessels, piping, and tanks, which leaves structural infrastructure to be overlooked. In this article, Derek shares several case studies that highlight how combining structural and mechanical engineering approaches can solve several unique fixed equipment challenges.

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Nozzle Design – By Rule or By Analysis

Are you struggling with time-consuming finite element analysis (FEA) for nozzle connections? The Nozzle FEA tool will cut FEA analysis time from weeks to minutes while ensuring full ASME VIII-2 compliance. In this article, the authors compare nozzle design by rule to design by analysis and highlight how this webtool consistently outperforms the competition.

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Practical Electrical Considerations in Process Plants

Electrical systems are often overlooked in process plants—that is, until something goes wrong. This article shares practical best practices to improve power reliability, reduce downtime, and strengthen the safety and resilience of your facility’s electrical infrastructure.

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Practical Guidance for Plant Turnarounds

Typically, turnarounds pack months of work into a very short time period—what you do before, during, and after can make or break long-term reliability. In this article, Kraig and Neal provide practical guidance to help you better plan, execute, and close out TARs turnarounds with confidence.

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